Provincial jail warden Nicolas Noble denied Thursday extending special treatment to inmates at the Negros Oriental Detention and Rehabilitation Center.
Noble said there is no Leviste-like story developing in the provincial jail, stressing that all detainees are treated fairly.
He, however, admitted that at least five detainees are utilized in the gathering of firewood, but these inmates are allowed to leave the facility with security escorts and a court order.
But, in case of emergencies such as inmates needing immediate medical attention, Noble said he has the discretion to bring the concerned inmate to the provincial hospital.
In the past, a presiding judge of the Regional Trial Court in the province called the attention of the jails when he personally saw a drug pusher roaming around the jail premises despite his conviction.
Among the recovered high risk items inside the provincial jail in a spot inspection conducted by the Philippine National Police and aided by the Coast Guard K-9 team on Thursday were three cellular phones.
Mobile phones are among the banned items inside the jail, Noble said. (PNA/Juancho Gallarde)